Thornton Track in summer, Kurth Kiln Park

The Kurth Kiln Park is a large area of preserved forest, 70 km east of Melbourne, adjacent to the Bunyip State Park, north of the town of Gembrook.

It includes the historical Kiln, used in the 1940s for the manufacture of charcoal.

The Tomahawk Creek runs through the park - the main walking trail is the 3 km (return) Thornton Track.

I visited the Park on January 28, 2012, exploring the Thornton Track, starting at the main picnic ground, then leading into Scout Camp Track and Soldier's Rd.

See all of the Photos of my visit, and check out my YouTube video!

Shiprock Falls - Kurth Kiln Park

The Shiprock Falls Reserve is in the northern section of the Kurth Kiln Regional Park, 65 km east of Melbourne, and 7 km from the town of Gembrook, just off the Gembrook-Woori Yallock Rd.

The McCrae Creek flows through the Reserve, and the falls cascade down from rock cliffs and past huge granite boulders.

I visited the Reserve on September 3, 2007, exploring 1 km of walking tracks, with good views of the falls.

See the full set of Photos

Tomahawak Creek Track - Kurth Kiln Park

Tomahawk Creek Walking Track, 4 km, is in the Kurth Kiln State Park, 65 km east of Melbourne.

Starting at the Kurth Kiln Picnic Ground, it passes through lush green fern gullies, tall forest, and along the banks of the Creek.

There are many unusual large rock formations and an interesting Gorge and waterfalls.

The historical Kiln, outbuildings and large dam are nearby.

My visit was on March 14, 2009.

See the complete set of Photos of my trip!

The scenic Silvertop Ridge Track, Bunyip State Park

The Silvertop Ridge Track is in the southern section of the Bunyip State Park, 60 km east of Melbourne, past the town of Gembrook.

It is reached from the Mortimer Picnic Ground just off the Gembrook-Tonimbuk Rd, along gated Triangle Track.

It starts at the signposted junction of Windy Point and Link Tracks, about 1 km from the Picnic Ground.

It is a primarily a management track used for fire control purposes, but walkers, horses and cyclists are allowed on it.

It follows a ridge line, then descends steeply along a spur to the south of the Park, reaching Dyer's Picnic Ground.

It passes a large Water Point, through interesting bushland, mostly regrowth in a former logging area.

There are views across the valleys, somewhat obscured by tall timber.

Large granite outcrops and ferns are passed.

I did this 4 km (return) walk on January 15, 2009.

See a New Map of the locality from Australian Digital Maps

Look at the complete set of Photos

Buttongrass Nature Reserve - Bunyip State Park

The unique Buttongrass Nature Reserve is in the south of the Bunyip State Park, 70 km east of Melbourne, between the towns of Gembrook and Tonimbuk.

It is reached from the Gembrook-Tonimbuk Rd, turning off at Camp Rd, then to a small car park at gated Guide Track.

A superb 3 km interpretative circuit walking track winds its way around the Reserve, passing through bushland, wetlands, grasslands and over boardwalks. This starts about 200 m south of the gate, and is well signposted, including a comprehensive information board.

Sections of the track have been widened and surfaced with gravel.

There are excellent views of the nearby Black Snake Range, which is the dominant feature of the region.

A large picturesque dam is situated near the start of the track.

Buttongrass is found only in Wet Heathland areas, such as in this Reserve, and is prevalent alongside the Boardwalks.

There are numbered markers along the trail at points of interest.

The Buttongrass Reserve and adjacent forest was devastated by bushfires in 2006, and most of the track markers and wooden boardwalks were destroyed.

The track was closed until mid 2008 to allow repairs to be made, signage replaced, and new seats constructed at vantage points.

A firebreak is being constructed through the Reserve.

Maintenance of the Reserve is undertaken by the Friends of the Bunyip State Park, in conjunction with Parks Victoria and the local Shire.

These images were taken on January 4, 2008.

See the complete set of Photos of my trip!

Thornton Track - Kurth Kiln ark

The Kurth Kiln Park is a large area of preserved forest, 70 km east of Melbourne, adjacent to the Bunyip State Park, north of the town of Gembrook.

It includes the historical Kiln, used in the 1940s for the manufacture of charcoal.

The Tomahawk Creek runs through the park - the main walking trail is the 3 km (return) Thornton Track.

I visited the Park on September 30, 2008, exploring the Thornton Track, starting at the main picnic ground, then leading into Scout Camp Track and Soldier's Rd.

See the full set of Photos of my trip

Shiprock Falls and Monk's Track. Kirth Kiln Park

The Shiprock Falls Reserve is in the northern section of the Kurth Kiln Regional Park, 65 km east of Melbourne, and 7 km from the town of Gembrook.

The McCrae Creek flows through the Reserve, and the falls cascade down from rock cliffs past huge granite boulders.

The Falls are reached by a foot-track, starting at the Falls car-park, with good views from a recently constructed viewing platform.

I visited the Reserve on September 16, 2008. I had last been there 12 months ago, and new signs have been installed. The adjacent forest has now been fenced off, to allow for revegitation.

Nearby, is the interesting Fireline Track, which links Beenak Rd with Monkhouse Track. I explored this 4 km (return) old loggging route, which descends steeply from Beenak Rd to two large dams, almost hidden in the forest! These are for fire management purposes. This track is muddy and care is needed.

Early spring wildflowers were in bloom.

Full set of Photos